News Release: OR-030-2009-015
For Immediate Release
News Contact: Mark Wilkening, (541) 473-6218
June 19, 2009
BLM Urges Caution: “Fire Danger Will Increase in the Near Future”
VALE, OREGON- June 19, 2009. The Vale District, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is urging
users and neighbors of public lands to be aware of increasing fire danger. Heavy spring rains have
produced abundant grasses. Even though the rains have continued in recent days, it will take only a
few hours of sunny weather, wind and warm temperatures to continue to cure and dry this extremely
heavy fine fuel load. The BLM is asking the public to be very cautious with campfires, debris
burning, controlled burning, and to choose parking areas that are clear of dry grasses and other
flammables. The use of fireworks is strictly prohibited on all BLM lands.
If you plan to have a campfire, never leave it unattended; ensure it is dead out before leaving it.
Choose parking areas that are clear of fuels and beware of fine fuels collecting near exhaust systems
of your vehicle. While fireworks are not banned on private property, BLM asks you to be very
cautious when they are used. If controlled burning or debris burning is on your “to do” list, please
take the time to plan ahead, secure the proper permits, check weather forecasts before burning, create
control lines to assist in the containment of the fire, have plenty of water on hand to extinguish a fire
that is getting out of control, and never burn when it’s windy.
It is also important for individuals to notify the Vale BLM Dispatch Center at 541-473-6295 before
burning if they plan to conduct controlled burns near public lands. This early notice will help us
prevent a situation where suppression resources are dispatched to a false alarm.
Remember, if you start a wildfire, or your controlled burn spreads onto public lands, you may be
responsible for the suppression costs and in some cases civil and criminal penalties.
For further information, or to report wildfires, please contact the Vale BLM Dispatch Center at 541473-6295 or 1-800-982-0287.
Additional information about the Vale District can be found by visiting the district website at
www.blm.gov/or/districts/vale.
-BLMThe BLM manages more land – 258 million acres – than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of
Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western States, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also
administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the
health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this
by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving
natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.